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I am “on the road” for one more day, so I am pulling another favorite post from my archives.
Enjoy a short virtual escape to the south of France to see the famous lavender fields while I am traveling home after a lovely vacation in Florida!
If you are like me and this is at the top of your bucket list, it is not too late to plan a real trip to see the lavender fields this year!
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“Lavender is the soul of Provence”
–Jean Giono
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If you are thinking of visiting Provence, you may want to try to go when the lavender, also known as “blue gold”, is blooming in late June through early August.
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Not only will you have the opportunity to see the breathtaking fields of lavender that bloom all over Provence, you may also be able to visit one of the many lavender festivals that happen every summer in the region. Several of the biggest festivals are in Sault, Dignes and Valres and are held in August.
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One “do not miss” stop along the way is the Abbaye Notre-Dame de Senanque, the 12th Century Cistercian abbey where the monks grow lavender and tend honeybees for their livelihood.
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Much of the lavender that is harvested is distilled into lavender oil, which is then used in perfumes and other scented products. At the Distillerie Aroma Plantes in Sault you can visit the distillery and walk amongst the lavender on the farm.
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For a real adventure, see the lavender fields from above…in a hot air balloon. France Balloons operates balloons from Forcalquier in Haut Provence.
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Les Couvent des Minimes Hotel and Spa L’Occitane
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There are quite a few tour operators in Avignon and Aix-en-Provence which organize day trips to visit the lavender fields and surrounding sights. But, if you are interested in staying in the heart of lavender country, check out these two luxurious hotels and spas that are both nearby many lavender fields:
Le Couvent des Minimes Hotel and Spa L’Occitane in Mane-en-Provence
Les Bories & Spa in Gordes
Just looking at the these photos makes me long for the smell of lavender wafting through my house. I like the products of L’Occitane en Provence. I also like to add a little bit of lavender oil to water to create my own linen spray, and a few drops to equal parts white vinegar and water to create a natural cleaning spray.
And, finally, here a few recipes that include fresh lavender:
After all of this, I think I need to go find a lavender plant for my kitchen so I can close my eyes and dream I am in Provence every time I smell it!!
OH SANDY this is my favorite region of France, then of course, the Southwest (La Dordogne….). When I lived in France, I used to travel all along the South and had the most wonderful day trip once in Grasse where I was escorted to the first perfume factory there. It was a magical day, and I felt like Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday! The smell of lavender is heavenly and the taste in foods evokes fond memories. There is nothing like being near a field to just give you a sense of peace, for this is a very soporific substance that is great in TEA!
Thank you for this virtual escape as we are having very high winds and rain…but hopefully this is the beginning of our spring. Happy day! Anita
We were just discussing planting so lavender to have in our summer water…these images are AMAZING!!
Hello Sandy,
Lavender is one of my favorites.
Thank you for taking me along on this tour of France.. Just beautiful.
These images are amazing!So pretty..
Oh Sandy, I learn so much from you and your blog! I must see this someday! good luck with getting back into 'work'mode after your vacation!
Beautiful, Sandy. I'll never forget our drive through lavender country last summer. It was pure heaven. Hope you have a safe return from your Miami adventures! XOXO
What a fabulous post Sandy and I can jump right into those pictures and smell the aroma. It is on my list as well. Have a lovely week, and safe travels. xo Nancy
I positively love lavender!! Gorgeous post!
Lavender is my favourite French scent. Looking at the pictures makes me want to visit Provence one more time.
Loving every image Sandy….reminding me of summer 2011 in provence….Thank you friend.
xx, H